Quebec calls for caution: tick and mosquito bites

As the summer season begins, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is calling for vigilance regarding tick and mosquito bites, which can transmit several diseases and viruses.

Two people died in 2024 in Quebec after being infected with diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, a historic first. These deaths are the only known to have been caused by mosquitoes and arthropods in Quebec, with the exception of one case of West Nile virus in 2023.

Infections are usually mild and can be treated with antibiotics, but if not diagnosed in time, they can lead to complications such as neurological disorders.

Tick ​​and mosquito populations are increasing in many regions due to climate change. The milder climate makes it easier for ticks to survive and thrive.

Quebec government reminds citizens that ticks and mosquitoes are likely to transmit Lyme disease, West Nile virus and California serogroup viruses, among others.

The ministry emphasizes that there are several simple measures to protect yourself, such as using mosquito repellent containing DEET or Icaridin and wearing light-coloured, lightweight clothing.

To protect yourself more specifically from ticks, it may be advisable to prioritize walking on trails and avoid tall grass. If a tick attaches to the skin, it is important to remove it carefully, ideally within 24 hours.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in Quebec. As elsewhere in the country, the number of cases has increased sharply in recent years.

From Jan. 1 to Oct. 26, 2024, 681 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Quebec, 303 of which were in Estrie.

For the full years 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were 652, 586, and 709 cases, respectively. This compares to 125 cases in 2014, 160 in 2015, and 177 in 2016.

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a tick carrying a bacterium. It can also affect animals.

In humans, the most common symptom of the disease is a reddened skin. Many people with the disease experience fatigue, fever, and body aches. However, if the disease is not detected and treated promptly, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and cause other, more uncomfortable symptoms.

If you have any doubt about an infection, Quebec recommends calling Info-Santé by dialing 811.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews